Alberto Lasarte: 'What we've achieved is praiseworthy'

'What we've achieved is praiseworthy' stated UD Almería 'B' head coach Alberto Lasarte when talking about the promotion achieved by his side to the Segunda RFEF after thrashing CD Toledo away 1-4 at the 'Salto del Caballo' stadium. 'We had a very demanding regular season as we competed in one of the strongest groups in the tier while in the play-offs, we faced powerful rivals whom we managed to beat in the three away games played.' 

In the play-offs, the UD Almería Academy 'B' team knocked out Atlético Malagueño first and then Real Jaén CF and CD Toledo, two historic clubs that were strong candidates for promotion. In all these knockout rounds, they faced the second legs away from home, defeating their opponents, which is really significant. 

The UD Almería 'B' gaffer, who made these statements when talking to the Club's official media, recalled that the majority of the players on his team belonged to the UD Almería U19 'A' team last season. 'All the players in the squad have enormously contributed to this promotion,' stressed Alberto Lasarte who, as he highlighted in the play-off press conferences, insisted: 'We've always had to face the toughest test yet.'

UD Almería 'B' reached the grand final in Toledo after drawing at the Power Horse Stadium. Everything was decided at the Salto del Caballo where things did not start well since the hosts took the lead after five minutes: 'The same thing happened in the first leg and the important thing was not to give up or lose focus, but to trust in our work , and so it was,' explained Mr Lasarte.

'The changes had the desired effect and played an important role as in the previous qualifying rounds; hence how much all the members of the squad have contributed, as I said before,' added the UD Almería 'B' head coach. 'It's has been a very hard and long season, but we've achieved promotion. I feel very proud of my players,' he concluded looking extremely happy and satisfied.